Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

When Hattori and Pakura returned to the Hidden Sand Village, they were met with an overwhelmingly warm welcome! As soon as they stepped through the narrow pass that led into the village, they could hear the entire village chanting their names, the cheers rising and falling like waves crashing ashore.

This enthusiasm only peaked further when Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, made his appearance.

Standing on a high platform and gazing at Hattori and the others as they walked into the village, Rasa smiled slightly, then raised both hands.

"Now... let us cheer even louder to welcome back our heroes! They are… Hattori, the Flame Salamander, and Pakura, the Scorch Release!"

"Roar!"

As Rasa's voice faded, the village erupted in a tsunami of cheers that echoed throughout the Hidden Sand Village.

"Hattori! The Flame Salamander! Hattori! The Flame Salamander…"

"Pakura… Pakura… Scorch Release Pakura…"

"Heroes! Heroes! Heroes!"

"Roar, roar, roar…"

Overcome with emotion from the cheers surrounding her, Pakura's face flushed bright red.

Seeing this, Hattori grinned, gently taking her hand. "Don't get too excited. This is just the appetizer! When you become Kazekage one day, it'll be even grander!"

"Mm!" Pakura nodded, smiling up at Hattori with her eyes half-closed. "Thank you!"

Hattori: "(⊙o⊙)… My Pakura, the most beautiful in the world!"

If it weren't for the crowd around them, Hattori would've wanted a kiss from Pakura right there.

"No worries; we'll have privacy later!"

With that thought, he quickened his pace, leading Pakura into the village, where they stood before Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, to receive their honors under the gaze of tens of thousands of villagers.

Of course, this recognition was mainly a symbolic honor, providing them with "glory," but little in material reward.

Unmoved by these superficial gestures, Hattori's reaction was much calmer compared to the visibly thrilled Pakura.

Once the ceremony concluded and the celebration began, Hattori and Pakura quietly slipped away.

Initially, Hattori planned to take Pakura to visit Chiyo for a meal, but Pakura shook her head.

"You go ahead. I've already promised Jun that I'd train with her."

"Uh…"

Jun was Pakura's young disciple, around Hattori's age. Though Hattori knew this, he still felt a little disappointed at her refusal.

Noticing his reaction, Pakura immediately gave him a hug.

"We're back in the village now, and we'll have plenty of time together. Next time!"

"Uh… alright then."

Since she'd put it that way, Hattori could only nod.

"Then you go teach your disciple, and I'll eat with Sensei. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to my sister—she's sure to like you! It's a plan!"

"Great!" Pakura nodded, smiling as she waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow then!"

"Mm, bye-bye!"

With that, Hattori waved back at Pakura before heading toward Chiyo's residence.

When he arrived, Chiyo had already prepared a grand meal.

Ebizo was sitting nearby, and as soon as he saw Hattori, he broke into a grin.

"Ha ha, our young hero is back! Come on, we've been waiting for you!"

"Heh, here I am!"

Grinning broadly, Hattori sat beside Ebizo, eagerly picking up his chopsticks.

Just then, Chiyo entered with another dish. Seeing his haste, she smacked his hand lightly as she set down the plate.

"Not so fast! The food isn't all out yet—go wash your hands first!"

"Hehe!"

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Hattori darted off to wash his hands.

When he returned, Chiyo had laid out the rest of the dishes and was beckoning him over as she served him rice.

"Hungry? Sit down. These ingredients were imported from the Leaf Village—try them and see what you think!"

"Hehe, alright!"

With a grin, Hattori clasped his hands together. "Itadakimasu!"

He dug in, enthusiastically giving Chiyo a thumbs-up.

"Mmm! Sensei's cooking is incredible—way better than Leaf Village's chefs! So good!"

"I'm glad you like it!"

Chiyo smiled, placing more food on his plate. Then she asked, "By the way, didn't Pakura come with you?"

"No."

Hattori shook his head. "She wanted to go train with her student, but it's alright. We'll have more chances. I'll bring her over to greet you in a few days."

"…"

Chiyo fell silent, her expression serious. After a while, she slowly replied, "That may not be possible."

"Uh… why not?"

Hattori paused, chopsticks hovering mid-air.

"Don't you like her?"

"Of course not!" Chiyo shook her head, explaining, "It's because we've formed an alliance with the Leaf and defeated the Stone Village. The only remaining enemy is the Mist Village, and the Fourth Kazekage wants a truce with them."

"A truce?" Hattori looked puzzled. "That's good news! But… what does this have to do with Pakura?"

"It's not about Pakura, but it does involve you!"

"Uh…" Hattori's confusion deepened. "What does it have to do with me?"

"Because you'll be the one going to the Mist Village to negotiate the treaty!"

Hearing this, Hattori's face fell, his expression darkening.

"Rasa's idea?"

Ebizo, who was nearby, shook his head. "No, it was mine!"

"Ah… well, then it's alright."

Hearing Ebizo's response, Hattori's expression relaxed as he resumed eating.

Noting this, Chiyo's expression grew thoughtful.

"Hattori, is there some issue between you and Rasa?"

"No."

Hattori shook his head as he ate. "I just don't trust him. He's too calculating, and I think he'd try to harm me!"

"Hahaha, you're overthinking it!" Ebizo laughed heartily, waving his hand dismissively. "No worries; I know Rasa well—he's not that kind of person."

"Heh, not so sure about that."

"Uh…"

Seeing Hattori's reaction, Ebizo looked a bit awkward, while Chiyo frowned.

"Well, if Hattori feels so concerned, how about this: when he heads to the Mist Village, we can send some bodyguards along. They'll be top warriors from the Puppet Corps."

No sooner had Chiyo spoken than Ebizo nodded. "Good idea. I'll pick a few strong Anbu members to accompany you and ensure your safety."

The Puppet Corps and Hidden Sand Anbu were loyal forces under Chiyo and Ebizo.

Reassured by this, Hattori nodded.

"Alright, let's do it that way!"

*(End of Chapter)*